News: Commanders to nominate Airmen for developmental special duties

The U.S. Air Force has identified 10 specific developmental special duty assignments as part of an effort to drive Airmen into positions that positively impact the Air Force. Airmen in the rank of staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeant are the focus of the nomination process, which was implemented to ensure the highest quality Airmen are placed in these positions. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Senior Airman Kayla Newman/Released)

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. – Developmental special duties are positions within the U.S. Air Force designed to create and progress Airmen through the leadership of other Airmen. Commanders will nominate qualified Airmen to fill critical positions and provide a developing career path for fellow Airmen. The Air Force has identified 10 specific developmental special duty assignments as part of an effort to drive Airmen into positions that positively impact the Air Force.

“Originally, with special duty assignments, people were able to go to Equal Plus and submit their packages,” explained Master Sgt. Samantha Lyman, 633rd Air Base Wing career assistance adviser. “Now the Air Force has identified these 10 special duties that are unique to leadership roles, and they need the highest quality of Airmen to fill the positions.”

In order to ensure the highest quality Airmen are placed in these positions, the Air Force implemented a nomination process. Airmen in the rank of staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeant are the focus of the nomination process.

Twice during a fiscal year, in March and September, Major Commands receive a quota of Airmen needed to fill the positions. At that point, the MAJCOM will have 30 days to nominate individuals within the grade and developmental special duty.

“The MAJCOMs will send the quotas down to the wings, who will then administer the nominative process for the units,” said Lyman. “Commanders will review the individuals in the grade for developmental special duty consideration.”

“For nomination eligibility, staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeants must have four years or more from current or projected grade and they must have an overall five rating on their last three [enlisted performance reports],” explained Lyman. “Individuals also need to have an 80 percent or above on their last two physical training tests and no failure on any portion of the test within the last year.”

According to Lyman, in order for Airmen to be nominated they also must not have any record of disciplinary action that resulted in an Article 15 or an Unfavorable Information File in the past three years.

Additionally, applicants must have a Community College of the Air Force degree or be within 12 months of completion.

Once selected for a developmental special duty assignment, Airmen can serve in that position between two and four years, before returning to their primary Air Force specialty. Airmen may not be nominated for another developmental special duty assignment until after they have served four years back in their primary specialty.

Although the quotas are released twice a year, Air Force Personnel Center identifies developmental special duty vacancies each quarter. As the vacancies are identified, AFPC will place Airmen nominated for developmental special duties.

Depending on availability, once an Airman is nominated, the process can be fairly quick.

“Airmen need to be prepared because there is a chance they can be vectored for a position,” advised Lyman. “I know the units have really been engaging with the leadership and letting them know if someone will be vectored, so qualified Airmen are kind of on standby per say.”

For more information, individuals can reference Developmental Special Duty Nomination and Selection Process in myPers.